Robert Schutz - Crown Construction
Ripoff, failure to honor builders warranty of new home

We purchased our home in October. Before and after closing, we were in contact via telephone with Jeanette Moss, the realtor who sold us the house about problems we were having with the home. We were never given a direct line to the builder/contractor, Robert Schutz of Crown Construction, so we used the realtor who we also later found out is the builder's girlfriend. After numerous unanswered telephone calls and repeat no-shows from people lined up to come do the repairs, I started an attempt to communicate with Mr. Schutz via certified letter.

The first letter was mailed on June 30 via certified mail to three separate locations as well as a courtesy copy sent to Jeanette Moss.in this letter, I addressed the problems we were having with the home and my request to have them repaired under the 1-year builder's warranty. These letters were all signed for but no response was given.

The second letter was sent out via certified mail on July 28. This letter was also sent to three separate locations as well as a courtesy copy to Jeanette Moss. Again, I received all receipts of acceptance to these letters but there was no response.

In August, I filed a formal complaint with the Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors. (Complaint # 220420544) I also contacted Todd Harvey, owner of the real estate company Jeanette Moss works for addressing my concerns with him to see if there was any way he could find a solution to our mess.

On September 22, I received a telephone call from Sean Smith of Smith Maintenance. He was hired by Jannette Moss to come and do the repairs to our home listed on our complaint regarding the builder's failure to respond and fix concerns under the 1-year builder's warranty. Sean stated that he was hired to please us and get things fixed and resolved. We walked the house and addressed our concerns.

Sean agreed with the things we brought up and wanted repaired. He said they were all valid complaints and questioned how a few things even passed codes. Sean made an appointment to begin work the following day. He stated that he would not play games and lead us on. He was here to work and the more he did for us, the more he got paid so he was anxious to get started the following morning.

On September 28, I received a letter dated September 1 for Mr. Schutz. He responded to our demands but was way out of line. I was very upset with this letter and called Jeanette Moss immediately. I spoke with Jannette Moss in reference to Robert's letter dated 9/1/04. She was under the impression that people have been out to our house and was shocked to find out they haven't. She stated they were being lied to by workers who said they had been out when they hadn't. I have demanded that we speak with Robert in person regarding our repairs before anyone comes to the house to do work. She agreed and said she would get in touch with Robert and then call me.

We met with Robert, Sean, and Robert's cabinet man on October 5. We walked the house and property. Robert listened and promised he would have my problems resolved. Sean was to begin work the next day, and the cabinet man was to call me to set up a time to come repair the cabinets and counter tops.

October 6 came and Sean showed up. He was very enthusiastic and addressed a lot of our problems.By October 13, he had the deck, fence, and most of the master bath done. This would be the last time we set eyes on Sean Smith though.

Sean started not showing up to finish repairs and what he did repair was falling apart. Once again, we chased Robert Schutz down whenever we saw him to complain. He acted shocked that Sean hadn't shown up anymore. He also acted angry because the cabinet guy never called. We were into November now and most of our repairs were still needed.

In February/March a new handyman was hired by Robert. He came out to the house to try and fix the shower door for the third time. He also addressed the molding that Sean had previously tried to repair but did not succeed at. This man measured all our windows and said he was ordering screens that fit for all our windows. This man came out 2 3 times and we have yet to see him again.

In June a new handyman was hired by Mr. Schutz to address the problems with the home. He walked through the house with Robert and made notations about repairs. He made measurements and promised to return. One of the issues was resolve by doing a patch job to out siding resulting in more damage. A cabinet man did come out finally to take measurements but we have yet to hear from him as to when/if work will begin. A man did come out and replace the shower door which we are pleased with but have seen no more work done on the house.

It is now July. We still do not have the repairs done on our home. As a matter of fact, the house is falling in around us. Where I once complained of loose boards, I now have my wood floor coming up in two places. Where is Robert? Where are my repairs? The Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors is now involved and investigating the case. I have filed a complaint with the BBB. Who knows if anything will come of it? I have a house that is less than 2 years old and is falling apart. The builder will not honor his warranty and do repairs.

Items needing to be addressed:

1. Cabinets in kitchen. Drying out, hole, un-even, counter top with bumps and ripples underneath, finish coming off. Robert's own cabinet guy came out in May sometime and advised that they all needed to be taken out and re-done. My own cabinet guy stated that he could not believe a contractor would allow such cheap work in a new home. The counter tops are coming up. The cabinets are un-even and made of cheap plywood with veneers. There is a hole in one cabinet. The counter top is not fastened to the cabinets but to the wall causing the counter top to crack away from the wall. The finish is coming off all of the doors. There is no way to patch this job and make stains match. I do not have a total cost on this job yet. Estimate for work $4339.50

2. Countertops in bathrooms. Coming away from wall. They are not fastened to cabinet tops. These cabinets are cracking and stain coming off as well.

3. Screens. Screens do not fit windows. Still missing screen in bonus room window.

4. Screen door. Robert walked through this and bent frame. Needs to be replaced.

5. Space between floor and tub in Master Bath.

6. Siding coming away from wall at front door. Bees and wasps nesting. Siding trim around roof loose.

7. Re-nail floor from under house. Floors squeak and creek. Floors coming up in dining room and kitchen.

Company: Robert Schutz - Crown Construction
Country: USA
State: Tennessee
City: Clarksville
Address: Hwy 76

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